Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell includes an electroactive material and an electrolyte. The electroactive material is represented by: xLi2MnO3·(1?x)LiMO2 where M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of: nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and combinations thereof and 0.01?x?0.99. The electrolyte includes a solvent system that includes a solvent and greater than or equal to about 1 vol. % to less than or equal to about 90 vol. % of a diluent. The diluent includes tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE), 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), or a combination of tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE).

Abstract: Sulfonyl-based solvent systems for electrolytes used in electro-chemical devices, such as secondary batteries. In some embodiments, a solvent system of the disclosure includes a sulfonyl (—SO2—)-based solvent optionally in combination with one or more different sulfonyl-based solvents and/or one or more non-sulfonyl-based solvents. Five example chemical structures for a sulfonyl-based solvent usable in a sulfonyl-based solvent system of this disclosure are disclosed. Also disclosed are electrolytes that include one or more salts, such as one or more alkali-metal salts, dissolved in a sulfonyl-based solvent system of the present disclosure. Proper formulation of a disclosed electrolyte can lead to one or more benefits, including but not limited to, improved cycle life, improved low-temperature operation, and reduced flammability.

Abstract: Free-solvent-free lithium sulfonimide salt compositions that are liquid at room temperature, and methods of making free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salt compositions. In an embodiment, the methods include mixing one or more lithium sulfonimide salts with one or more ether-based solvents and then removing the free solvent(s) under suitable vacuum, temperature, and time conditions so as to obtain a free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salt composition that is liquid at room temperature. In an embodiment, the only solvent molecules that remain in the liquid lithium sulfonimide salt composition are adducted with lithium sulfonimide salt molecules. An example automated processing system for making free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Free-solvent-free lithium sulfonimide salt compositions that are liquid at room temperature, and methods of making free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salt compositions. In an embodiment, the methods include mixing one or more lithium sulfonimide salts with one or more ether-based solvents and then removing the free solvent(s) under suitable vacuum, temperature, and time conditions so as to obtain a free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salt composition that is liquid at room temperature. In an embodiment, the only solvent molecules that remain in the liquid lithium sulfonimide salt composition are adducted with lithium sulfonimide salt molecules. An example automated processing system for making free-solvent-free liquid lithium sulfonimide salts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Separators, for use in electrochemical devices, that each include a porous body and at least one ionic-flow-control layer that includes at least one copolymer blend tuned to melt at a design temperature so that, when melted, the copolymer blend block the flow of ions of an electrolyte through the porous separator. In some embodiments, each copolymer blend is applied to the porous body in particulate form. In some embodiments, two or more copolymer blends of differing design melting temperatures are provided to the ionic-flow-control layer. In embodiments having multiple differing copolymer blends of differing melting temperatures, the copolymer blends may be provided in the ionic-flow-control layer in discrete regions or as a mixture of un-melted particles. An ionic-flow-control layer may be provided separately from or integrally with a porous separator body. Electrochemical devices including ionic-flow-control layers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Binary and ternary eutectic mixtures and corresponding electrolytes are disclosed. In some embodiments, binary eutectic mixtures and electrolytes each include a first salt, X1+Y1?, and a second salt, X2+Y2?, wherein each of X1+ and X2+ is an alkali metal cation and X1+ is different from X2+; and each of Y1? and Y2? is a sulfonimide anion and Y1? is different from Y2?. In ternary eutectic mixtures and electrolytes further include a third salt, X3+Y3?, wherein X3+ is different from each of X1+ and X2+. In some embodiments, the eutectic mixtures and electrolytes have melting points in a range of about 5° C. to about 70° C. Electrochemical devices containing such eutectic-mixture electrolytes are also disclosed.